10-27-2005, 06:34 PM
BOISE, ID[font "Arial, Helvetica,
sans-serif"][size 2]—[/size][/font]Idaho steelhead anglers who've been worried about the size of this year's run can rest easy, as fisheries officials say the number of steelhead returning to the state is exceeding the preseason forecast.
Biologists say more than 102,000 steelhead passed the state's Lower Granite Dam between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Lower Granite is the last of eight dams between the ocean and the streams or hatcheries in Idaho where the fish were hatched. As a result, officials say steelhead fishing during late fall should be excellent.
The number of returning steelhead has already exceeded the Idaho Game and Fish Department's preseason forecast of 112,000 fish. Biologists say they're predicting that number will be near the state's 10-year average of 126,000 by the end of the year.
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Biologists say more than 102,000 steelhead passed the state's Lower Granite Dam between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Lower Granite is the last of eight dams between the ocean and the streams or hatcheries in Idaho where the fish were hatched. As a result, officials say steelhead fishing during late fall should be excellent.
The number of returning steelhead has already exceeded the Idaho Game and Fish Department's preseason forecast of 112,000 fish. Biologists say they're predicting that number will be near the state's 10-year average of 126,000 by the end of the year.
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